This project examined the process of driving reduction and cessation from the perspective of older adults (current and former drivers) and adult children. The objectives were to identify common markers of the process of driving cessation and to gain an understanding of the complex and interrelated family dynamics that influence the process. Audio recordings of a series of structured and focus group interviews with older drivers, former drivers, and children of older drivers from an earlier study funded by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative methods. Analyses revealed several themes across current and former drivers including reluctance to stop driving, avoidance of particular traffic and weather conditions, perceived importance of driving for independence and convenience, unwillingness to acknowledge declining driving capability, lack of perceived risk to other motorists, and lack of planning for cessation. Barriers to driving cessation included reluctance by older adults to increase the burden on their children and reluctance by children to initiate the role of caregiver by assuming responsibility for transportation. Results highlighted the complexity of family dynamics that shape decision making about when older adults should limit or stop driving and how much and what type of support adult children can provide during this transition. (Author/publisher) The full text of this document may be found at: http://m-castl.org/files/2009-02KostyniukReport.pdf
Abstract